Gulbin Sultana

The attack on Mohamed Nasheed has exposed Maldives’ vulnerability to acts of terrorism. The biggest test for President Solih is to overcome the challenges to tackling national security threats and address the concerns of the liberal Maldivians.

• Published: July 01, 2021
• Issue Brief

Research Analyst, MP-IDSA, Dr Gulbin Sultana's article 'Colombo Port City Economic Commission breeds economic and Geostrategic Concerns' has been published in the Financial Express on June 02, 2021.

The act provides for the establishment of the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ); and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 2 June, 2021

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s commentary ‘India-Maldives: Continuing Momentum of Bilateral Engagement’ got published by the external services division of All India Radio (AIR) on April 19, 2021.

Since 2018, efforts have been on, both from India and the Maldives to strengthen and re-energize bilateral relations between the two close neighbours. High-level bilateral visits are testimony to the commitment of both sides to continue the momentum, writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 19 April, 2021

India’s stand at the United Nations Human Rights Council on the resolution relating to human rights situation in Sri Lanka should be based on its long-term interests in the teardrop island.

• Published: March 19, 2021
• Issue Brief

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s Op-Ed ‘Inauguration of NSA Trilateral Secretariat: A step forward for maritime security cooperation with Sri Lanka, and the Maldives’ has been published in the Financial Express on March 04, 2021.

The newly set up Secretariat can facilitate maritime intelligence information sharing and benefit all the three countries to deal with their maritime security challenges coming from illegal activities at sea including, act of terrorism; piracy; drug, weapons and human trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; marine pollution and so on. Expanding the membership of the trilateral forum to include Mauritius and Seychelles would further strengthen the capability and capacity of this sub-regional grouping to deal with the maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 4 March, 2021

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s Commentary ‘India-Sri Lanka Partnership Based On Mutual Sensitivity’ has been published by All India Radio (AIR) World Service, an External Services Division of AIR, on January 08, 2020.

The commentary analyses India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka as significant. It has conveyed the message that India will always be a dependable partner and reliable friend of Sri Lanka.

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• Published: 8 January, 2021

Research Analyst, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s article ‘India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to discuss security concerns; Maritime Cooperation also on agenda’ has been published in the Financial Express on November 27, 2020.

Factoring in the geo-strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, as well as the security needs and strategic concerns of the littoral states, resumption of the NSA level trilateral meeting between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives on maritime Security Cooperation and inviting Mauritius, Seychelles and Bangladesh is a welcome development, writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 27 November, 2020

Research Analyst, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s article ‘Foreign Secretary’s Visit Bolsters India-Maldives Ties’ has been published by All India Radio (AIR) World Service, an external services division of AIR, on November 12, 2020.

The future of India-Maldives relations looks positive, as both governments are committed to strengthen the bilateral ties. The continued engagement between the two countries at the highest level is desirable for the smooth implementation of the agreed projects, writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 12 November, 2020

Research Analyst, Dr. Gulbin Sultana’s Op-Ed ‘Sri Lanka’s ‘India-First Policy’: Should India be complacent?’, has been published in ‘The Financial Express’ on October 15, 2020.

India must engage, understand, and assist Sri Lanka in a non-reciprocal manner, but it has to ensure that it is not taken for granted under any circumstance. India should not be complacent with the policy announcement from Colombo and must insist that India’s concerns and interests should be taken due care of, writes Dr. Sultana.

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• Published: 15 October, 2020

The growing assertion of presidential executive powers in the absence of parliament poses a critical challenge to functioning democracy in Sri Lanka.

• Published: July 17, 2020
• Issue Brief